By the time Mu Fengqie and Jing Xunce arrived, the banquet had already begun. On the high seats sat Yuan Yuchuan, Concubine Hua, Concubine Jing, and Lady Mu.
She could understand the presence of Concubine Hua and Concubine Jing at the banquet, but what was Mu Xingrou doing here? How could a low - ranked lady like her show up? It was truly puzzling. However, Mu Fengqie said nothing and hid her thoughts well. No one could tell what was on her mind.
"Your humble servant pays respects to the Emperor."
"Dear minister and the princess, rise. How is the Princess Consort of the Regent?" Yuan Yuchuan's concerned look made others think that the Emperor really cared about his sister - in - law. But whether it was genuine concern or not was another matter.
"Your Majesty, the condition of the Princess Consort of the Regent is rather serious." As soon as Mu Fengqie said this, Jing Xunce stole a glance at her. This was different from what she had just told him.
"What's wrong with the Princess Consort of the Regent?" The Emperor immediately looked nervous. He really hoped that nothing would happen to her in his palace, or he was afraid that Yuan Yuhan might tear the palace down because of his temper.
"Your Majesty, Mrs. Zheng clearly used all her strength when she slapped the Princess Consort. The Princess Consort's body was already delicate, and with that slap, the fetus is in an unstable condition." Mu Fengqie said angrily, as if she wanted to kill Mrs. Zheng.
"Although the child has been saved for now, if there is any further problem in the future, not even a celestial being can save it."
Jing Xunce just stood quietly aside, saying nothing. Whatever Qie'er said was right. Well, the child of the Princess Consort of the Regent was indeed in great danger. A slight mishap could lead to a miscarriage. There was nothing wrong with that.
Upon hearing this news, the people in the main hall broke out in a cold sweat. They were all at the scene. Mrs. Zheng's slap was really hard. The Princess Consort's face was swollen bigger than a bun. If anything happened to the Princess Consort, the Regent would surely not spare the Zheng family.
No, not surely, definitely.
The Emperor was also a bit angry. He didn't expect such a presumptuous person in the palace. "I've already sent the best tonics to the Princess Consort of the Regent. In addition, the imperial physicians from the Imperial Hospital will be on standby day and night." After saying that, the Emperor thought for a while and then said, "From now on, everyone must keep a distance of three meters from the Princess Consort of the Regent. Anyone who dares to get close will be severely punished."
"We obey the decree." They were more than willing to stay far away from the Princess Consort of the Regent. They didn't want to provoke the Regent. They still wanted to live.
Mu Fengqie said nothing after hearing the Emperor's words. She just silently returned to her seat. Jing Xunce also followed closely behind her. Since the Emperor didn't mention the punishment for Lord Zheng, they knew that the Emperor wanted to let this matter go. But it wasn't that easy.
What Mu Fengqie was most curious about now was Mu Xingrou. She gave Mu Xingrou a meaningful look, and no one could understand the meaning in her eyes.
Mu Xingrou sat there proudly. A few days ago, she was worried about Mu Rendong's matter. She went to Concubine Hua for help, but instead of lending her money, Concubine Hua humiliated her and drove her out of the palace.
She walked dejectedly in the imperial garden at that time, not knowing what to do. If she couldn't borrow the money, Mrs. Kong would surely fight her to the death. But in the palace, she only had Concubine Hua to turn to.
"Aren't you Lady Mu? Why are you here?" Concubine Jing was in a good mood today and came out to enjoy the flowers. Unexpectedly, she met Lady Mu here.
"Xingrou pays respects to Concubine Jing. May the Lady be well." Mu Xingrou immediately bowed when she saw Concubine Jing. In this place full of prying eyes, it was easy to be caught with a handle. One wrong move could lead to beheading.
"Get up." Concubine Jing said lazily. "Why are you here? And you look so dejected. What's the matter?" Come on, tell me and let me have a good laugh.
When Mu Xingrou heard Concubine Jing's words, her eyes began to roll. Although Mrs. Kong and Mu Rendong had accidentally offended Concubine Jing before, she didn't pursue it seriously. Moreover, she often heard that Concubine Jing was the kindest person in the palace.
Thinking of this, Mu Xingrou began to shed tears. "My Lady..."
"How dare you, Lady Mu! Are you trying to frame our Lady?" As soon as Xiao Cui saw Mu Xingrou kneeling on the ground and crying, she frowned. This Lady Mu must have some evil intentions.
"No, Xingrou doesn't mean that. Miss Xiao Cui misunderstood..." Mu Xingrou explained anxiously, afraid that Concubine Jing would misunderstand her and turn away if she was a bit slower.
"Alright, Xiao Cui, step back." Concubine Jing scolded Xiao Cui and then looked at Mu Xingrou. "Lady Mu, go on."
Mu Xingrou controlled her emotions. Now she looked extremely pitiful. "Concubine Jing, Xingrou really has no other way. Please help Xingrou." Mu Xingrou pleaded with Concubine Jing pitifully.
"Get up first. Let's go to the pavilion over there and talk." Concubine Jing helped Mu Xingrou up and pointed to the pavilion over there.
"Okay." Mu Xingrou thought that Concubine Jing must have taken the bait. She didn't expect there was such an easy - to - deceive person in the palace. She hadn't even said anything yet, and Concubine Jing believed her. She really didn't know whether to call her naive or stupid.
Concubine Jing's eyes glinted with excitement as she looked at Mu Xingrou. Was it coming? Was Mu Xingrou going to ask her for money? Should she make things difficult for her first or just agree readily?
Xiao Cui followed behind Concubine Jing. Looking at her mistress, who had changed a lot since she knew she couldn't have children, she was a bit speechless. She quietly pinched Concubine Jing on the side of her waist. Mistress, you must be calm. Don't show any flaws.
Concubine Jing immediately put away the excitement in her eyes and resumed her original quiet and lofty appearance. Xiao Cui sighed helplessly looking at Concubine Jing like this. Her mistress was becoming more and more unreliable.
Fortunately, she still knew her limits. Otherwise, Xiao Cui would have cried to death. Her dignified and quiet mistress was gone.
"Lady Mu, you can speak now." Concubine Jing looked at Mu Xingrou quietly, with no trace of emotion in her eyes.
"My Lady, I'm ashamed to say. It's all because of my younger brother, Mu Rendong," Mu Xingrou said as she wiped away her tears with a handkerchief. "My useless younger brother was deceived out of four hundred taels of silver outside. Now he is still in their hands. If we can't get the money, they will kill my brother."
As she said this, Mu Xingrou suddenly knelt down...